Shloka 3.59.19

अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनषष्टितमः सर्गः — Maricha’s Mimic Cry and the Rama–Lakshmana–Sita Confrontation

Devanagari script

रिपुः प्रच्छन्नचारी त्वं मदर्थमनुगच्छसि।राघवस्यान्तरप्रेप्सुस्तथैनं नाभिपद्यसे।।।।

Transliteration

ripuḥ pracchanna-cārī tvaṃ mad-artham anugacchasi | rāghavasyāntara-prepsus tathainaṃ nābhipadyase ||

Translation

You are an enemy moving in disguise, following for my sake; seeking an opening against Rāghava, you therefore do not go to him now.

Context

'You are an enemy moving in disguise with an interest in me. You are waiting for an opportunity to set aside Rama. That is why you are not rushing to him.'

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (Rāghava)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse illustrates adharma through slander: accusing a loyal protector as an enemy violates satya and damages righteous relationships.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā’s grief escalates into direct allegations that Lakṣmaṇa is secretly hostile to Rāma and motivated by desire for her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, Lakṣmaṇa’s restraint and duty—he must maintain dharma despite being maligned.